Thursday, June 20, 2013

Stepping Back on the Road Less Traveled

Over the years, I had two (major) fantasies when I thought of retiring. The first was to finish my graduate degree in American Religious History and the second was to do a degree in Art History. I went to graduate school in Religion right out of college. Though I enjoyed the material (for the most part) I found I was not the scholar that my graduate school colleagues were and ended my studies after one year. As for Art History, I took one class in college and was totally intimidated by the lectures. I've taken a number of adult classes since then, but missed the formal structure of college classes. My fantasy became that I would return to one of my great interests "some day." And then amazingly, some day was here.

I haven't spoken about either of these plans for a few years, but a colleague remembered my idea about returning to studying Religion and introduced me to the art librarian at Jewish Theological Seminary (JTS). This was one of the volunteer opportunities that I've been writing about. Happily, I began my volunteer work today. The library at JTS is outstanding, with fabulous rare book holdings. I've had the privilege of taking classes there over the last two decades, as well as doing research as part of my archivist work at my synagogue. I had training today for a project working with putting a group of their holdings on line. These are new skills for me and I am delighted and somewhat overwhelmed. I fully believe that there are many times that G'd knows what you need when you can't even envision it, and once again that seems to apply here. My supervisor is an art historian.

I am going to take this as the great opportunity it is. I am in an academic environment, less than two miles from my house. There is a cozy library in which to spend time writing and reading. The people I've met have been both nice and interesting and I am genuinely interested in my project. The hours are flexible and will permit time off for travel.

I am still not 100% healthy, but I felt more than good enough to get out today. I don't have any pictures to share, but will take pictures of all the interesting sights in my new neighborhood. I even walked part of the way home and really enjoyed the beautiful summer day.

Carol, I am looking forward to reading about and following this new chapter in your life. I think it is harder to learn new things as you get older, at least that has been my experience. It's not impossible though and I learn something new each day! Sometimes it's even important stuff! lol

Good for you for not letting the grass grow under your feet and beginning the new chapter of your life quickly after retiring from your job. I tried a few things before I found the right thing for myself, and I wonder why since I always knew what I wanted to do, but was nervous about putting myself out there.

It sounds like you are the road to recovery from your illness and it won't be long now till you are completely better. Loving what you are doing will help even more.